After narrowly escaping Savannah and her Asterian thugs, Aspen has finally unearthed a clue to her forgotten past: a small brass key and a handwritten note that says 'Start here'. With nothing but her resolve – and Aiden’s silver lighter – Aspen sets forth on a solo cross-country journey. But things begin to unravel quickly on the open road, and Aspen soon realizes that her biggest challenge on this trip won’t be making it to California in one piece, but keeping her growing powers in check… a feat that’s proving harder and harder to manage.
Meanwhile, Aiden, on his own mission to find his sister, has gone radio silent. Though an old ‘friend’ from Aspen’s past warns her not to go after him, she knows she has no choice. But their impromptu reunion has some unintended complications: ghosts from Aspen’s past come back to haunt her, painful secrets that Aiden has been harboring come to light, and deep-rooted family conflicts threaten to tear their bond apart.
Still, there’s a faint light at the end of the tunnel: Aspen now knows for certain that her mother is alive and being held prisoner. She and her friends just have to get there in time – and pray Savannah doesn’t catch them first.
Rachel Rener is a multi-award-winning, bestselling romantasy author best known for her fan-favorite Gilded Blood universe. Her books blend magic with real science, infusing powerful-yet-quirky heroines, emotional depth, and irresistible, sizzling romance.
After earning a degree in Psych and Neuroscience, Rachel has since lived on three continents and traveled to nearly 50 countries, fueling her worldbuilding with diverse cultural and mythological influences.
When she's not writing, Rachel enjoys making art in every medium she can get her hands on, riding her motorcycle, attending rock shows (both the musical and mineralogical kind), and engaging with her devoted reader community, Rachel’s Renergades. She lives in Colorado with her husband and a very opinionated umbrella cockatoo named Terrance (aka “Jungle Chicken”), who insists on being her loudest critic.
You can also be regaled with totally inappropriate stories and behind the scenes shenanigans by signing up for her newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/Rachel-Rener-NL .
5 daring stars for your friendly neighbourhood Pentamancer!!
"Those who don't believe in magic will never find it."- Roald Dahl
I dived into this as soon as I finished The Lightning Conjurer: The Awakening and the story picked up immediately after Aspen and Aiden's narrow escape from Savannah and her Asterian thugs.
Aspen has finally unearthed a clue to her forgotten past: a small brass key and a handwritten note that says 'Start here'. With nothing but her resolve – and Aiden’s silver lighter – Aspen sets forth on a solo cross-country journey on her grandfather's bike, intent on finding answers, as well as the place her mother is held. Because that much is at least sure: that she is alive and being held prisoner. 'biker babes wallpaper' - portal.agileit.com
Aiden on the other hand, is on his own mission to find his missing sister, and he starts off on a different journey, accompanied by Robert and Aspen's Grandma. And if you haven't already grown to love these two in the previous book, I'll guarantee you will now.
Especially Grandma Evelyn! You just... can't not love her when you read the angry texts she sends after hearing what The Asterian Order did to Aspen! Here's a little excerpt so you can see for yourselves: 'I'm so angry I could just march right in there myself and give those godday Asteroids... Asterisks... Asterians!… a piece of my mind. Im sorry for the obscenities sweetheart. Im just so angry and worried.'
Or when you get to know the way she chides her granddaughter for not keeping in touch: 'You just careen off into the sunset with that two-wheeled death machine, and then what? You don't call, you don't write-' only to end her message with a simple: 'I love you to the moon and back.'
And that is by far not all that makes her such a fabulous character. As for what that extra is.... you're gonna have to read this to find out! :D
For Aspen, things begin to unravel quickly on the open road, as she soon realizes that her biggest challenge on her trip won’t be making it to California in one piece, but keeping her growing powers in check… a feat that’s proving harder and harder to manage. If she isn't careful, she'll end up leaving a trail of exploded lightbulbs leading directly to her.
Moreover, ghosts from Aspen’s past come back to haunt her, painful secrets that Aiden has been harboring come to light, and deep-rooted family conflicts threaten to tear their bond apart. Add in a daring jailbreak attempt to the mix; as well as the realisation that neither Aspen nor Aiden will be able to get their loved ones out of confinement by themselves and there you go. The perfect mix for a real page turner that you won't be able to set down!
'All choices have consequences... some graver than others.'
This second installment of the Lighting Conjurer series is all about choices. Aiden's but most of all Aspen's. Will she be wise and prudent, or act on instinct throwing caution to the wind? Will she allow the past to tear her future down or stand straight and brave the consequences? All tough choices to make, especially since family is involved.
Family... What a strange and beautiful word. Something that Aspen had never known - or more exactly, doesn't remember. A family is all that Aspen's wishing for now, and she's determined to do everything in her power to get it.
I loved Aspen's growth as a character. From the little frightened rabbit running at every bad look and defending herself with a frying pan, to the new still scared but totally determined young woman. I loved her insecurities and the way she struggled to fit the shattered pieces of her life together into this new awarded role of Pentamancer. 'Rowan... Rose... Aspen... I don't know who I am anymore.' 'You are all of those people and none of those people.'
She is, after all, your friendly neighbourhood Pentamancer. :D
Pentamancer symbol - thelightningconjurer.com
A fast paced fantasy adventure with just the right amount of fun, mystery and romance to keep you glued to the pages till the very end and make you dive into the sequel straight after! This second installment in the series was even better than book 1!!
Complex and real-feeling characters written with a remarkable insight into human nature and emotion! Masterfully done! You'll just about feel the emotions in this book. Pain, sorrow and insecurity, longing and love, they practically leap of the page! Well crafted characters intertwined with brilliant use of magic and a compelling tale! Now this is what I call magic on a page!
So take a chance and give it a try. Because, in this case, the risk is worth taking. As grandma Evelyn stated: That was a stupid thing to do. I'm proud of you.
Find this review and more on my book review and cover art blog The Magic Book Corner
Wow! Rener has taken elementalists to a new level. So many awesome moments in this story, and the research she must have done for the cool factiods and trivia had to be extensive. Things are kicked up a notch by the end, seguing flawlessly to the next stage. Loved it, and can't wait for the next one!
I loved this second book of the series and all the twists it contained. Aspen has now uncovered many secrets... but still has questions to ask. The Asterian Order is still after her and Aspen is desperately trying to help both herself and Aiden as they try and complete near impossible tasks. Aspen is trying to track down her past and unravel the Asterian Order while Aiden is trying to find his sister, Sarah who disappeared under mysterious circumstances, which seems to be the Order's specialty. Gathering a team of Elementalists who can look over the Order's lies, Aspen might have a chance to get answers and reveal what the Asterian Order has been hiding but people's pasts, hers included, holds secrets and even more questions for the Asterian Order to answer.
I really don't know what took me so long to get around to reading this. I read the first book way back in 2020 and vowed to continue... only to never get around to it. With Aspen's near escape from the Asterians hanging over them, the threat of being tracked and dragged back to what is increasingly seeming like a corrupt, power hungry and cruel organisation and Aiden on a mission to find his long lost sister there is a lot going on here.
This is one of those novels that starts very slowly, despite running almost straight on from the chaotic action of the final pages of the first novel. Once the pace picks up, it really does pick up and stays moving but the opening chapters of journeys and emails were very slow. That said, once it gets moving there is more than enough to grab your attention and keep you engaged.
What I really did like about this is how much the characters are further developed and how much more you learn about the world as Aspen learns more about her forgotten heritage. All of the characters are fantastic; Aspen is on one hand a strong, fiercely independent female protagonist yet she's also stubborn and puts herself in danger through her lack of experience and interesting habit of running straight towards danger. Aiden is desperate to protect her and yet forced to recognise that being protected is not high on Aspen's list. And then you have the supporting character, of most note Evelyn, that wonderful, crazy grandmother who loves Aspen to the moon and back. There is a whole cast of minor characters and yet they all felt fully realised and human, even those you don't see much of.
The same can be said of the world building; there are so many added details here that come to light as Aspen learns more about the world she was forced to forget. The magic system is explored in more detail, the politics and corruption of the Asterians come to the fore and the way different characters come to terms with everything they have believed for years being challenged, shaken and brought to the ground.
I certainly won't be making the same mistake in waiting so long and have moved onto book 3 instantly!
“I don’t understand… What is all this?” I asked, my voice shaking.
“The beginning,” he muttered darkly.
What a trip, from start to finish... and *what* an ending!
Aspen is a gloriously realised character, and spending so much time with her is a pleasure. Rener continues to peel the layers of the onion, revealing more of Apsen's personality and past with each scene. Honestly, the author's skill is dizzying; Rener manages to keep the pace brisk while building a believable world, constructing and building on an already robust magic system, and making the reader care about every single character.
Because that's the real beauty of this series so far, and this book in particular. The relationships all feel so real, they all matter, and every character is fleshed out and unique. The dynamics between each sing, and how each one relates to Apsen, past, present and future, is wonderfully done.
I've read other books by Rachel Rener, and she truly is a brilliant, inventive and adept writer, capable of humour, intimate character moments, heart-wrenching drama, and big, big action.
The Pentamancer has returned, and as Aiden says, pouring a welcome element of doubt into a glorious finish, this is only the beginning.
In The Awakening, Aspen discovered she had powers that had been kept hidden from her, the Asterian Order had marked her as the first Pentamancer in 300 years, and both Aspen and Aiden were on the run, she to rediscover her past and he to rescue his sister.
The Enlightening began with Aspen heading to California alone. She ended up traveling with a biker gang (that wasn't actually a gang) and uncovered a few secrets, such as the old boyfriend who had wanted to marry her and the godfather who had betrayed her. After hearing that Aiden had been hospitalized (a result of nearly drowning in the previous book), Aspen immediately left California to rejoin him. It's non-stop action from that point on. Jail breaks, attempted jail breaks, kidnapping, murder, and power beyond her wildest imagination, Aspen is central to something. If only she could figure out what it was and who the good guys actually were.
I loved Aspen and Aiden in this new chapter of the story. I loved that even after finding she had a boyfriend of three years, Aspen didn't look back. I loved that Aiden trusted her. And at the same time, they both realized that as strong as their feelings were for each other, they couldn't rush into things and had to continue learning to trust each other. Content warning: There was a scene where they almost had sex. There were also moments that Aspen didn't trust Aiden and took matters into her own hands, whether she should have or not. Aiden struggled to not "over" protect her and trust that she really could take care of herself. I loved when he explained that he wanted to protect her not because he thought that she couldn't handle it, but "because no one should feel alone in the world." So perfect!
It was also wonderful to watch Aspen's friends trust her and stick with her, despite her constant disclaimers about how they shouldn't feel obligated to put themselves at risk for her sake. In a world where we expect betrayal on every side, it was a beautiful picture of loyalty.
The pacing was perfect, world building was phenomenal, and the characters developed just as characters should. There was also the right amount of unexpected twists that felt exactly in line with the world of the elementalists. And on a side note of personal significance to me, Rachel was spot on with her cultural characterization of Ori, an Israeli electromancer. I'm excited to read the final book in the trilogy and see how (or if) everything finally resolves.
I'm only on chapter 12 as I write this - but I'm unsure if I will finish it because it's such crap. I was willing to push through despite the characters being so trite.
I mean - the "good guys" are so good they're absolutely forgettable. And the "bad guys" are straight out of a comic book. It's ridiculous. Absolutely no originality at all. The main character is stupid and irritating. Every "good man" she comes across is so unfathomable unrealistic its pathetic.
What finally got me irritated enough to throw down this drivel and write this review was when the main love interest makes a sexual pass at the main character and then asks if she's "ever been with a man". Reinforcing the patriarchal guidelines for women to be pure virgins for the sake of their man's ego, huh???
No. Hell no. I will punch a b**** in the throat. I am absolutely repulsed that I actually purchased these books and gave this writer any financial support.
Top it off with the fact that the storyline is so base this bullsh** should've never been put into print - it should've stayed on an amateur writers website. I've read fan fiction better than this garbage.
The sh*tty, narrow, "love" interest is in a hospital for pneumonia - this writer doesn't know how hospitals work, apparently. Theres a reason gangsters go to underground doctors and vets. The "evil organization" would've found these dumb**ses in minutes. Not to mention they don't even mention the enormous bill and requirement of insurance - because the U.S.A. absolutely SUCKS.
This writer is garbage. I'm livid.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
It is easy to disregard 5-star reviews as biased, yet it strikes me as the only fair score for this book. Not only is there a wonderful continuity between the two books in terms of the characters' mental journey, the author also manages to introduce the people, setting and situation in a very pleasant way for those who continue reading after volume one as well as any readers new to the series who did not read the first book. The book is once again a more or less self-contained story for those who would like to read it as such.
The story starts out at a point that many less-gifted writers would turn into either a boring enumeration of facts or take to a way-too-hasty conclusion, making the reader lose touch with the main character. Ms. Rener manages to make the story flow beautifully and naturally, though. The element of superpowers is elaborated upon and interesting new ideas are explored - and the backgrounds of the main characters are also shown in more detail. We get to know the characters and what makes them tick, so we can sympathize.
It is hard to say much about this book without spoiling any of it for the reader. I can only add that the writing style is, in my opinion, fast-paced and only offering just the right amount of detail in its descriptions to help you create a proper mental image, without dictating the details for your mind's eye.
This book takes us on an adventure in the world we all know, yet we know nothing about.
This is one heck of a ride. The story is chucked full of action, mystery. drama, and suspense. It pulls you in and keeps you glued to the pages. It is a story that is so engaging and heart felt at the same time. Rowan goes through so much throughout this story. You can feel her pain, sorrow, happiness, anger and love as the story progresses. She grows so much throughout the story and it has you continuously root for her and her group of characters. It is addicting! Yes, it does end in a cliffhanger but my goodness it is so worth reading. I absolutely can not wait for the next book. This will have laughing and crying at once. We learn so much about Aiden and his family. We learn love and forgiveness in this story. I just can't say enough how good of a read this is.
What an incredible follow up to book one - The Lightning Conjurer: The Awakening! The Enlightening starts right after the events of book one and keeps the reader engaged. The story is well balanced between plot development, action sequences, and a bit-o-romance. I can't wait to see how the story continues (and resolves?) in book three!
I loved this book. We got to see Aspen in action. She is able to control all five elements and is the most powerful elementalist in 300 years. I can not wait to see what is next after this exciting book.
This book was definitely another great read and a great addition to the series. I am very much looking forward to reading book 3 whenever it comes out.
OMG! And I thought book 1: The Awakening was PHENOMENAL but that was before I through myself heart and soul into the Enlightening. The Enlightening took all the Amazingness that was in The Awakening and amplified it exponentially. The magic was more enticing, grander, more complex and electrifying. The battles (inward and physical) were bigger, more heart wrenching/devastating, and all out spectacular. The characters…dont get me even started on the characters…became more developed, more fleshed out, and more relatable and understandable (which…I didn’t think would be even possible…and yet…somehow…Rener accomplishes it brilliantly!) And the romance Rener created was sweeter, more alluring, with just enough tantalizing steam to add some much appreciated spice to the developing story.
Aspen and Aiden have managed to break in and then subsequently escape from Savannah and her colleagues. But they find themselves, as well as, Evelyn and Professor Robert Borstein temporarily on divergent paths. Aspen sets her sights and motorcycle towards California and the safety deposit box that she hopes will lead to answers about her parents and her past. And although she doesn’t get exactly what she is hoping for, she makes some new and sometimes distressing revelations. Aiden, Robert and Evelyn however are on a cross country trip to rescue Sarah, Aiden’s sister that he has discovered is being held captive in a elemental containment center in Tulsa. But circumstances beyond their control leave Aspen rushing back to Aiden’s side and together they must face the impossible. This book has so many twists, turns, and unexpected revelations and Rener will keep you on the edge of your seat and guessing till the very last page! Can they save Sarah? Will Aspen ever remember her life as the girl named Rowan? Will they find her mother?
I guess you will just have dive into this AMAZING 2nd installment of the Lightening Conjurer Series to experience all it’s epic amazingness for yourself.
Ok…so we all know I’m a sucker for a well written, swoon worthy, compassionate male MC. And that definitely didn’t change in this book. Aiden is just too yummy to be out done…but…Rener wrote quite a few fabulous secondary characters in this story. I really enjoyed getting to know Eileen and Sophia. They brought a lot of heart and soul and humor to the story and we all know how I love me some humor! However, I just also happen to always fall in love with obscure minor characters in stories. I love how these less significant characters really bring the story to life, wether it’s the Motorcycle Group leader Cotton and his wife or the Watchkeeper Vivian. Rener really knows how to create a well developed and completly realized world within her urban universe, filled with distinct, complex, and motivated characters.
Then there is the fabulous, science driven elemental magic. Rener in one breath created this extremely complex and science based magic system and then in the next, masterfully explained all it’s many faceted aspects to us the readers. It is really ingeniously done! Which not only shows Rener’s extreme aptitude for story telling but also let’s us know she is one extremely intelligent woman!
Sooooo…The Enlightening was FABULOUS! Maybe I said that already…hmmmmmm…well, it needed to be said again! Or maybe yelled from the nearest mountain top. If you haven’t yet begun on your Lightening Conjurer journey than I say ”what are you waiting for?! GO READ IT!!!” You can thank me later!
When I was a boy I saw the first Superman movie in the theater. That night I wore my purple suit. I was looking good. By the end of the night, I was a superhero. I was in my underoos gripping a towel around my neck and jumping from my bed pretending to fly Lois Lane around. As an adult, this series had me missing my underoos. Make no mistake about it, this series is about superpowers, but it is also about love. I read book one, two and three. This series has it all. It is full of mystery. Things come up that I didn't expect. I enjoyed the hero story. I loved the soul searching main character. I appreciated the drama that unfolded within her family. Also, for those that enjoy romance, there is plenty of that here. The series kept me reading, I wanted to know what was going to happen and by the end of book 3, the pay off was truly nice. I may never have true super powers but I'm excited for Rachel Rener's next release. I would love to see her books brought to television. She is a wonderful writer and she scored huge points from me for bringing everything together in a complex yet understanding way. I appreciate the science she brought along through the journey as well. I loved The Lightning Conjurer Series. If more readers would get smart, pick up book one and get hooked onto something special, maybe we will see more than 1-3! If you love magic, motorcycles and romance then I highly suggest picking up this complete series. Yeah, I fell for the protagonist but I guarantee some of you will fall for her love interest. He's dreamy, lol. She wrote the characters so well. Enjoy it but be sure to have a bucket of ice next to you, things get hot. Also, these books truly have me wanting to purchase a motorcycle. I'm already reading a copy of Motorcycles for Dummies, now I just need a bike and the girl with two names.
Reading this book was like peeling an onion and I'm talking about layers, not tears. Aspen is out looking for answers about her past, her family, her powers, and it's all so convoluted you can't answer a question without getting two more. Questions, that is. Her relationship with Aiden is put to the test and I appreciate that our hero isn't perfect, isn't always spot on about what's happening. He may be a powerful mage, but he's human, he's in way over his head and he struggles to piece everything together, like your average human does. Of course that leads to drama, but I also appreciate that once the initial rage passes, Aspen is able to think, to talk to him, to settle things straight. She's growing up.
The background is getting more layered too. It's easy to judge it from the people working for the Order, but the reality is always more complicated. Are there rotten apples? Yes. Is the whole organization rotten? Nope. And sometimes even villains have reason for what they do.
Now, the ending... which is not the ending: Aspen finds herself exactly where her parents didn't want her to be... and a whole new chapter of her life opens. I wonder what will happen now, in relation of the stories she was told about how Pentamancers are perceived. Will she be a symbol? A figure-head? The flag around which everyone will rally? And to do WHAT? My brain is painting a pretty ominous picture right now, and I don't like it one bit... I guess I'll have to read on to find out what happens!
📖 THE AWAKENING 📖 THE ENLIGHTENING 📖 THE CHRISTENING 📖 THE RECKONING by Rachel Rener
Overall, I thought this series was okay. Each book plot was better than the one before it... which means that the last book was the best of the series. But I think I prefer how Aspen was written at the beginning of the series. I really liked when it was only Aspen and Evelyn.
This series reminded me of the THE CIRCLE series by Tamora Pierce. The way each person has their own elemental affinity and how the group comes together, I think. The last time I read that series was in 1999.
The FMC that Rachel created definitely grows as a person. I remember while reading the second book, I was getting annoyed with her recklessness and her need to just follow through with the first idea/solution to the problems.
After reading two separate series by Rachel Rener, i can definitely see her love of the no nonsense grandmother/mother depicted in both series. So, if there is/was a real life inspiration for the role- that person probably feels honoured. 😁
Also, hats off to including a Jewish character in both series. It does add depth and diversity into the writing. But maybe that's because maybe I'm just so used to reading Magical /Paganistic or Christian characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Uhmmmm... what?!?!?! Let me just take a minute to breathe... wow! This book was Full. On. And I thought the first book had me on the edge of my seat, but just wow!
So ibfeel like a lot went down in book 2, we got to know new characters, and old ones better which was so good. The deepening of the characters interactions as well as the complexity of the characters themselves was done so well. Just like book 1, the magic rules and systems were so well thought out and researched it was obviously a passion project for the author and that makes it so much more enjoyable as a reader! The secret cult like society plays a much larger role in this book and we get to see just how far these people go to keep control of their community.
But I think what floored me most was the last quarter of the book. You in books how characters say "I let out a breathe I didn't realize I was holding"... that was me for about an hour, over and over again... and that ending had me screaming! Excuse me while I immediate binge read book 3 because I can't possibly go to sleep with an ending like that!
Rachel Rener you are a goddess when it comes to writing (and probably more too). You've definitely earnt a fan for life!!
After being separated from Aiden and her grandma, Aspen follows the road to the city of her childhood, finding many surprises and unexpected revelations alongside meeting one of the people she never expected to see. Moreover, as her powers increase, it seems flashes of her memories are coming back. But the Order does not sleep in the meanwhile, and Savannah is determined to get the Pentamancer to swear allegiance to the Asterians. Only, who has the bigger leverage now? I truly love how Aspen/Rowan's story develops in the second installment. I felt much more connected to the story and it's characters than in book one, and only rarely came across a moment when I felt odd or awkward. Getting to know the main characters more is bringing them closer to my heart, making me feel as if I lived the story alongside them. Their actions and decisions are more understandable in the light of new information, and they show great strength in many mundane ways - accepting the other's faults, willingness to apologize or forgive, showing kindness and mercy when anger offers the brute force as a solution. Now with Aspen being put into unprecedented situation, I would love to see how she will deal with it.
WOW! I could have never predicted the end to this book. I have so many questions. I will say, the first book leaves you with lots of questions too...but this one answers a great deal of them. Why did Aspen's mother wipe her memories? How did she wipe her memories? Who the heck is Ted? Who is Wes? How close was Wes to Aspen? Will Savannah get her revenge? And more!
I thought Aspen had an even better sense of character in this book. (and I loved book one!) Rener showed me how impulsive she was as a character. And I really appreciated this characterization because Aspen has so much potential early on. However, she is not without her faults. That being said, I do love her.
The magic system was further developed in this book and I really like where it went. As for characters, I love sweet Evelyn, dedicated Aiden and amazing couple Sophia and Eileen. (and the others too!) But I think these are my favorites. Their personalities stood out to me and I could really imagine them as characters in our own world.
Fantasy fans will not want to miss Rachel Rener's 'The Lightning Conjurer' series.
Thank you Rachel for writing the story AS IT HAPPENED.
Wow, I'm absolutely blown away! I did not expect the turn this story took and I cannot wait to keep reading.
I absolutely loved every minute of Aspen's journey to find out the truth about her past and why she suffers from amnesia. This author always manages to maintain the tension in her stories, building it brilliantly and this novel was no exception. The final third, I simply couldn't put the book down and was "unavailable mom" for a time because I simply had to know what would happen.
What I appreciate most is the subtle exploration of people's choices, looking at moral aspects like "for the greater good" and "I had no choice" and "there was no other way" or "it seemed okay because it's for a good cause" and without being tautological or pedantic this author makes you think about these things and how easy it is for actions to turn evil if the moral grounding behind them is murky. No matter how "good" your intentions, taking someone's freedom or making a choice on behalf of someone else will ultimately be a "bad" action and I love how this author subtly explores that and makes you think about such important topics.
Well, I'm off. Need to read the next volume to find out what happens!
So this is book 2 of the Lightning Conjurer series, and it is awesome. It picks up where book 1 left off and follows Aspen as she searches for clues about her forgotten life and what happened to her parents. Her powers are growing, her enemies are hot on her heels, and her attraction to Aiden is getting out of control. Will she find her mother and save Aiden's sister? I'm not telling! You'll have to read it yourself! 😁 I have to say, I love Evelyn. She's maybe my favourite character (though it's a tough choice). She's the grandma everyone would love to have. All the characters are great, though. They just get more interesting as the book goes on. I think one of my favourite parts of the book is when Aspen joins a biker gang. It's very entertaining. The whole book is great and, once again, I read it in one sitting. The writing is gripping and the world is very well created. Rener keeps building on all the small details that make it all come to life. If you haven't read this series yet, why not?
This book continues following Aspen as she heads for California to find information about her parents.
I absolutely adore this series. It is so incredibly well written. The scientific facts thrown at you is AMAZING. It is my favorite thing about these books (I really feel like this series could be classified as science fantasy, but in an unconventional way, because of how the magic works based on scientific facts. I wonder how much research Rachel did for all these books). The plot is constantly twisting and I had so many WTF moments. The ending especially, I did not see coming.
Go add this ENTIRE series to your TBR. (in fact add everything Rachel has ever published to your TBR because EVERYTHING she has come out with has been amazing and each of her series has been COMPLETELY different with each series and I just find that so wonderful)
Excuse me while I jump into book 3 and forget to sleep tonight
This second instalment did not disappoint. I will say though that I did forget quite a few details of the first book since I did read it last year, but I so easily fell back into this world and the characters that it almost felt like no time had passed.
I truly cannot praise this author more for her amazing story. I realized over this past year that I have a really hard time with fantasy stories for some reason. And most times I end up just being ok with it and not feeling more. But this trilogy is just *chef’s kiss*
I honestly cannot wait to pick up the last book tonight to see where this is going to go because it almost feels like the ending is final but yet there’s an aspect that makes you go “so what’s next”.
Truly truly cannot wait to see where the author brings the story in the next book.
Our story picks up right where the last story ended. Aspen heads for California after getting a clue to her past: a small key and a note saying "Start here". She runs into trouble on the road and is befriended by a motorcycle "gang".
Meanwhile, Aiden is on his way to Tulsa following rumors of his sister being contained there. He ends up in the hospital with pneumonia.
Jailbreaks, kidnapping, murder, oh my!
Our crew is expanding Aspen has reached out to some Asterians who were training her that she feels she can trust. She needs more training because her powers are growing and getting out of control with her emotions running rampant.
Evelyn and her Professor Robert Borstein are truly delightful. But with with a kiss we have exploding light bulbs and fires so Aspen and Aiden hats off to you.
Lots of action and plot development in this sequel! The anticipation for book 3 is already gnawing at me.
Aspen starts out with continuing her journey to learn more of the past she cannot recall, and meets an old/new adversary/friend along the way. Aiden (swoon) and the others continue their plan to rescue his sister but with complications. I thoroughly enjoyed this sequel and do not feel like it id the common "filler text" that a second book often has. There are heists, daring escapes, secrets from the past, romance (I could stand a little more of that though!), and powers that we didnt even know of behind the scenes in this book. I will be eagerly awaiting Book 3!
In The Lightning Conjurer: The Enlightening by Rachel Rener that I received the complete series through BookSiren, Aspen narrowly escaped Savannah and unearthed a clue to her forgotten past and sets forth. Soon things begin to unravel when she realizes keeping her growing powers in check is becoming harder. This and Aiden's mission to find his sister are a bit more complicated. Hopefully they will all get their on time and hope Savannah doesn't catch them first. I LOVE this and the rest of the series so far and definitely recommend. These books are available individually and as a whole, on Amazon